Patients undergoing limb reconstruction with the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) often perceive that their frame is loose due to the rattle they hear when mobilising. Our aim was to determine how much and where this movement is in the various frame/bone constructs currently on the market. Using standard tibial saw bones three frames (TSF, Ilizarov and Hexapod) were made in an identical fashion. Constructs were cyclically loaded 4 times to 200 N in tension and compression using the Instron MTS. This was repeated three times. A seventh strut was also placed in the TSF construct and the tests repeated. Bones were then removed and the tests repeated for the frames alone.Introduction
Method
To evaluate the results and complications of bone transport in the treatment of massive tibial bone defects, using the Ilizarov method. 15 patients underwent bone transport using the Ilizarov technique to treat massive tibial bone defects. The average age of the patients was 8.7 years (3–24 years) and the mean bone defect was 10.8 cms. Following a latent period of 1 week, distraction of the transport doughnut was commenced at 1mm/24 hours in 4 quarterly turns. A docking procedure was performed in 7 cases which involved freshening of the bone ends and autogenous bone grafting from the iliac crest. Following docking the fixator was removed once the regenerate had consolidated.Aim
Methods
